In a candid statement to the Rugby World Cup earlier this year, former England rugby icon Matt Dawson voiced his concerns about Owen Farrell.
This critique from Dawson stood in contrast to the views expressed by his former teammate, Lawrence Dallaglio, who asserted on ITV during the tournament that Farrell should be a part of the team in the upcoming match against Chile .
“I don’t think Owen Farrell is good enough to get in the team at the moment,” Dawson told BBCRadio 5 Live.
The off-field dynamic of how great Owen Farrell is, I have heard for years and years, but I have just not seen it on the pitch.
“What I do see up close and analyse is how he plays for England. I don’t see him bringing anything that isn’t already there.
“I would not put Marcus Smith in as a starting 15 but there is nothing wrong with bringing him on if you need to change a game up.”
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The 10 best rugby players in the world for 2023 named, Bundee Aki fifth
Planet Rugby has diligently compiled its list of the 50 finest rugby players on the global stage for the year 2023.
Today marks the unveiling of their highly anticipated top 10 selections.
Explore the comprehensive rankings below to discover the standout athletes who have left an indelible mark on the world of rugby.
10. Levani Botia: Fiji’s standout performer, Botia’s all-encompassing contributions almost single-handedly steered the team to victory. A ball-poaching maestro with thunderous carries, he’s been a force for European champions La Rochelle. Botia’s career year solidifies his status as a superb player, leaving an indelible mark on the rugby world.
9. Aaron Smith: Experiencing a renaissance, Smith’s evergreen form and astute decision-making distinguish him as a top-tier scrum-half. The loss of pace compensated by unparalleled game management, Smith remains a standout performer. His leadership and proficiency set him apart in the highly competitive scrum-half landscape.
8. Charles Ollivon: Toulon’s giant back-row forward, Ollivon enjoyed a career year following a triumphant return from injury. Despite relinquishing the national team captaincy, his leadership by example and consistent performances make him indispensable. Ollivon remains a linchpin in the forward pack for both club and country.